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I saw this thread after I already posted the same information on another thread, I thought I would throw it in here as well. It is just an opinion based on my experience---
In my humble, informed and tested opinion:
The Furuno FCV620 and FCV585 SMOKE anything else out there. There is simply not much comparison. They work way better than any of the Raymarine Digital stuff I've seen on customer's boats and they also work better than the Lowrance stuff in Fresh Water...
Additionally, Furuno is the FIRST COMPANY who has actually made a Fish ID feature that actually works. I found this out by accident. Notice the below fresh water, dual Freq Pic: The Fish ID doesn't simply replace the real echos, it overlays them for the novice user. The 585 and 620 are the ONLY machines that can really tell the difference between real fish and other junk in the water most of the time
Notice also that the 50kHz actually works EXCELLENT in shallow water. Traditionally this has not been the case but, the new fast pulse rate of the 585/620 50kHz mode yields perfect fish ARCS with the smaller Airmar transducers. This is unheard of in any of the other manufacturer's stuff I have installed, except for their simulators...
Wow. Thanks for the info. You just helped me make my decision. I'm ordering one.
Maybe you can help me decide between the 585 & 620. I crruently have a P79 600 watt in-hull ducer. The Ray puts out 500 watts. I rarely fish in water over 60' deep, but I love finding new wrecks. Do you think it's worth it for me to go with a 585 with an M260 1000 watt ducer? Or should I stick to the 620 with a 600 watt P79?
I spent the last 10 months researching very heavily into this one and I bought the 585 with the M260 ducer last week. I am sold!
I played with both in a shop two(2) weeks ago - for the very first time and I think the 620 screen size is simply way too small. For the extra $$, I chose the 585 mainly because of screen size - Powerplus!
Glad to hear you like it. My current DS600X has a 6” screen, and its fine for me. The FCV620 has a 5.6”. Not a big deal. If I decide to use an M260 transducer, then I’d definitely spend the extra cash.
Smelly, why did you go with the M260? Do you fish mostly deep water?
Hmm. That’s definitely something to think about, but theres a big price difference. $738 for the FCV620 & P79 vs. $1738 for the FCV585 & M260. Ouch. Thanks Smelly.
Glad to hear you like it. My current DS600X has a 6” screen, and its fine for me. The FCV620 has a 5.6”. Not a big deal. If I decide to use an M260 transducer, then I’d definitely spend the extra cash.
Smelly, why did you go with the M260? Do you fish mostly deep water?
So, there's nothing in the display size, pixels are the same, output power of the Furuno is higher (600W). Mounting possibilities of the Furuno are better especially if you're going to desk-top mount the unit as the swivel mount is great for viewing the sounder from just about anywhere on the boat. Of course flush mounting squashes that advantage.
Wildfish, good call. I didn't notice that. The DS600X screen is perfect for me. I think I'll go with the Furuno FCV620. 600 watts should be plenty of power for the depths I fish, which rarely exceed 60'. I like to locate wrecks for bottom fishing, so the extra power from the FCV585 would be nice, but I’m not sure if I could justify another $1K for 400 more watts that I “probably” don’t need.
Dom, I've been caught like that before (marketing / advertising jargon vs specs) and since then I make a point of researching the specs carefully. I saw the Ray 600 next to a Furuno 620 at a dealer and that's what got me thinking about who's telling lies about the screen size. IMO for bottom bouncing in 60' water around wrecks and reefy bottom you'll have more than enough power with the 600Watts from the Furuno 620. I also like the TVG setting which allows you to manually turn the gain up in deep water. This feature together with the shift feature on the Furuno 620 should tell you what color eyes the fish has Then you turn the TVG back down or turn to Auto mode and the shallow water sounding becomes a breeze as well
That's a good call for the money. 620 Furuno and Airmar tilted element X-ducer. You will not need anything more for what your doing. Fact is it's a little overkill for even that.
The Furuno FCV620 and FCV585 SMOKE anything else out there. There is simply not much comparison. They work way better than any of the Raymarine Digital stuff I've seen on customer's boats and they also work better than the Lowrance stuff in Fresh Water...
Exactly how do they "work way better"?
By any chance do you sell Furuno machines
Furuno FCV620 / FCV585 
Then you turn the TVG back down or turn to Auto mode and the shallow water sounding becomes a breeze as well 
620 Furuno and Airmar tilted element X-ducer. You will not need anything more for what your doing. Fact is it's a little overkill for even that. 
